About 4 years ago, I had a bartender in Savannah tell me that we were ‘a few years’ behind any real national trends going on with craft cocktails. I can recall a time-and it wasn’t all that long ago-that you’d be hard pressed to find a spot in Savannah doing anything resembling a classic craft cocktail. Now, they are everywhere. And the quality keeps getting better and better. That makes getting out and trying some classics much easier to do. Next week, you’re invited to sip and sample a classic Negroni. And support local charities in the process.
Negroni Week begins worldwide on Monday, and yes, a number of Savannah establishments are joining in on the fun. Since 2013 when it started, close to a million dollars have been raised by almost 5,000 establishments around the globe.
For those that aren’t well versed on the classic Negroni, it’s pretty simple. Gin, Vermouth rosso and one part Campari. How many times can you try the same drink? Well, the variety comes with the use, for example of different gins. Every bartender has their favorites especially when you consider how these particular ingredients come together. If you are gin drinker, then you know all about it. Similarly, some bartenders may offer their own twist on the drink.
“In the past we’ve made maps and each bar has done their own thing really to promote Negroni Week.” says Allison Firth, a local distributor. “But this year, I’m making up passport books that people can get stamped at each establishment where they try one during Negroni Week.”
Bar crawls are very popular these days. Call this a Negroni Crawl. Maybe? I don’t know. Seems like a good idea. In any event, it’s a great way to sample variations on a classic and perhaps learn something in the process.
A partial list of Savannah participants includes Bowtie BBQ, Cohen’s Retreat, 22 Square (in the Andaz Hotel), The Original Pinky Masters, Chive and more. You can find a full list by clicking here and following along for updates on their Facebook page. A lot of these spots are, for example, donating $1 from every drink sold from June 5-11 to a local charity of their choice. Participants will be asked to make a flat donation if they choose in addition to enjoying their cocktails. Responsibly, of course.
Drink It and Like It.
See you on TV,
Jesse
